Judges Block Immediate Deportation of Salvadoran Migrant

Federal judges Waverly Crenshaw in Tennessee and Paula Xinis in Maryland have blocked the Trump administration from immediately detaining or deporting Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia upon his release from pretrial detention on human smuggling charges. Judge Crenshaw found no evidence linking Abrego Garcia to MS-13 or indicating he is a danger or flight risk. Judge Xinis restored his prior ICE supervision status and mandated at least 72 hours' notice before any deportation to a third country, giving him time to assert credible fear claims. The government is specifically barred from deporting him to El Salvador due to credible threats of gang violence. These coordinated rulings follow previous wrongful deportation actions and are intended to safeguard Abrego Garcia’s due process rights. The decisions underscore ongoing judicial oversight of federal immigration enforcement.